Things To Do On The Gold Coast
Below you’ll find an ever growing list of things you can do around Tweed & the Gold Coast when you’re staying here with us. This list will be continually updated so make sure you bookmark the page and check back regularly.
Dreamworld
Dreamworld
Dreamworld is traditionally the theme park you head to if you're looking for the best rides.
It boasts more than 40 rides and attractions which are divided up into various themed 'lands' within the park such as Gold Rush Country, Ocean Parade, Tiger Island, Rocky Hollow, DreamWorks Experience & Wiggles World.
People of all ages are well catered for, so no matter what the age range of your family is there is sure to be plenty to keep you busy all day.
Head to the link below for the latest deals on theme park passes.
Movie World
Movie World
If your kids love superheros, then Movie World has to be close to the top of your to-do list.
You have a fun combination of movie characters walking the streets along with shows & rides based on various DC movie and comic book properties.
Movie World has always done a good job with the shows, but over the last few years they've really ramped up the adrenalin with the addition of new rollercoasters and rides like Green Lantern, Doomsday Destroyer and the D.C. Rivals Hypercoaster.
Head to the link below for the latest deals on theme park passes.
Seaworld
Seaworld
Sea World is widely regarded as being Australia's top marine park.
It is a magical combination of heart pumping rides and shows that will stay with you for a lifetime.
You can swim with the dolphins, watch the dolphins perform or sit back and admire the world class jet-ski stunt team perform stunts like no other.
There are two large rollercoasters along with plenty of rides to keep the youger kids entertained.
Head to the link below for the latest deals on theme park passes.
WhiteWater World
WhiteWater World
WhiteWater World is actually a part of Dreamworld - so your ticket for entry to Dreamworld also gives you access to WhiteWater World.
One of the newest upgrades to WhiteWater World has been to increase the water temperature across all slides to a comfortable 26 degrees. This makes it the warmest waterpark on the Gold Coast and pretty much available for use all year round.
There are a range of slides and rides to suit people off all ages and levels of adventure.
And if you're just keen to relax while the rest of the family goes wild, you can rent a cabana and sit back for the day.
Head to the link below for the latest deals on theme park passes.
Wet n' Wild
Wet n' Wild
Wet'n'Wild is without a doubt one of the most popular attractions on the Gold Coast, especially when the weather starts to heat up.
The park boasts some of the world's largest and most thrilling waterslides but it also caters to the younger kids with more gentle slides and lesuire pools.
There is plenty of space to sit back and relax as you watch your kids wear themselves out having fun.
Head to the link below for the latest deals on theme park passes.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
For decades now Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has been helping people on the Gold Coast get a unique look at Australia's wide range of native animals.
The sanctuary is set on 27 hectares of native bushland & rainforest and gives visitors the chance to have a fun filled day that is also educational.
Highlights Include:
The Segway Safari. After spending 5 - 10 minutes getting used to your 'ride' you'll have the chance to spend around 40 minutes taking a guided tour on your Segway through the beautiful bushland and rainforest setting.
Wildlife Hospital. Currumbin has a fully operational wildlife hospital and you can take a look at how the in-house vets take care of animals that are suffering from illness or injury.
Wildlife Experiences. Get up close and personal with a wide range of Australia's favourite animals from koalas and wombats, to echidnas and possums.
Free Flight Bird Show. Sit back and marvel at some of Australia's most beautiful birds as they free fly around and above you and the rest of the audience.
Other shows & attractions include Australiana sheep shearing, crocodile behaviour show, aboriginal dance show, Blinky Bill & Friends and the Tree Top Challenge.
Head to their website via the link below for more info.
Tweed Foodie Fest
Tweed Foodie Fest
The Tweed Foodie Fest is a unique culinary experience located in the heart of Australia's Green Cauldron, a sumptuous celebration of local food.
Tweed Foodie Fest brings together the tastes, talents and producers of the region. The festival is an experiential journey to discover Tweed’s produce and gastronomic diversity. It brings the local community and visitors together to share one of Tweed’s greatest pleasures – FOOD.
You can get the full details at the link below
Cooly Rocks On
Cooly Rocks On Festival
'Cooly Rocks On' is Australia's coolest celebration of everything there is to love about the 50s, 60s and 70s. Music, dancing, cars, nostalgia and good old-fashioned family fun are all on the program, right here in one of the best destinations in the world.
And it's all completely free!
The event takes place each year in June and uses a combination of outdoor stages and venues within the beachside streetscape of iconic Coolangatta. And the great thing about the dates is that it's generally held to coincide with the Queen's Birthday long weekend for people in NSW.
So you can get away for a few nights and combine the fun & excitement of the Cooly Rocks festival with the amazing facilities on offer here at Tweed Billabong.
Check out their website at the link below
Local Markets
Local Markets
There's a great local market on somewhere close by every Saturday and Sunday. These markets are a great opportunity to purchase handmade arts and crafts, or just stock up on fresh fruit & vegetables. From all over the Gold Coast to Northern NSW villages, all markets are different.
The Byron and Bangalow markets in particular offer a really ‘alternative’ atmosphere. The Tweed Heads PCYC and the Car Boot markets down South are more of a ‘trash or treasure’ market, with locals selling their preloved old wares. Sometimes these are the best places to grab a bargain.
Add a few colourful characters and live music and you have a great free morning's entertainment for the whole family. Ask at Reception for the latest market schedule.
Take A 4WD Trek Adventure
Take A 4WD Trek Adventure
If you truly want to experience the beauty of the national parks to the west of the Gold Coast, sometimes you need to get off the main roads to places only a 4WD can take you.
For experienced 4WD'ers there are plenty of great tracks you can drive.
And the good news for people without their own 4WD is that there are some great tour operators who can do the hard work for you. You can take advantage of their experience and local knowledge to make sure you have the best day possible.
To get you started, here are a couple of operators for you to check out.
Watersports Guru
Watersports Guru
Give Tim a call at Watersports Guru for a local watersports adventure.
From diving to kayaking, snorkelling with turtles to stand-up paddle boarding, the Watersports Guru have a watersport for you.
Paramount Adventure Centre
Paramount Adventure Centre
The Paramount Adventure Centre in West Burleigh is one of the top 'adventure based' activity centres on the Gold Coast.
You can spend some time on their indoor or outdoor rock climbing walls, or you can get involved in some water-based activities by learning to surf, paddleboard or kayak. They also offer abseiling if you're more keen to come down a wall rather than climbing up one.
You can learn more about the activities on offer by heading to the link below.
Concerts & 'Food Grazing' @ Jupiters
Concerts & 'Food Grazing' @ Jupiters Casino
If you're keen for some live music or entertainment while you're staying on the Gold Coast, one place worth checking out is Jupiter's Casino.
Their calendar will generally have a wide range of events on, from comedy and live music to tribute shows and more.
The other great thing Jupiters have been doing recently is their 'Star Grazing Food Tour'. This tour gives you the chance to visit a number of Jupiter's great restaurants and sample some food and wine at each.
You can learn more about Jupiter's via the links below.
Ilnam Estate Winery
Ilnam Estate Winery
Tweed’s own winery, Ilnam Estate, is located a quick 15 minute drive from our park and is actually Australia's most easterly winery.
Go on a wine tasting tour of the local vineyard and stay for lunch. Enjoy a meal and a glass of award winning boutique wine in the cafe with sweeping views of both the ocean and the Carool Valley.
The llnam Estate cellar door & cafe are open five days a week, Wed - Sun between the hours of 11am and 4pm. They also have live music on the last Sunday of every month.
If you'd like to learn more about the winery, you can head to their website via the link below.
Enjoy A Day At The Races
Enjoy A Day At The Races
The Gold Coast Turf Club is one of the busier turf clubs in the country. There is a race meeting every Saturday as well as mid week meets on special days like Melbourne Cup day.
When you're at the track you have over a dozen great options to choose from when it comes to food & drink and the amazing 180 degree views from both the member's and public lounges make the day an experience to remember.
You can check out the upcoming schedule of events by visit the GCTC website via the link below.
Outback Spectacular
Outback Spectacular
Enjoy a 3 course dinner, drinks and an amazing display of exhbition horse riding in one massive arena.
Outback Spectacular has been running since 2006 and in that time they've changed their show 5 or 6 times which means you can come back for a second (or even a third) time and experience something new.
From their original Outback Spectacular show to their more recent themed shows such as 'High Country Experience' or 'Salute to the Light Horse', they never fail to deliver a memorable evening.
You can learn more about this popular attraction via the link below.
Explore The Gold Coast Waterways
Explore The Gold Coast Waterways
Interesting fact - the Gold Coast has more waterways than the city's of Venice and Amsterdam combined.
So it only makes sense that a holiday on the Gold Coast would include at least one trip on the water.
You can take a cruise that includes lunch or dinner or you can simply get out and relax as you explore some of the 400km+ of Gold Coast waterways.
You can explore your options via the links below.
Beautiful Local Beaches
Beautiful Local Beaches
Beautiful Beaches are just minutes away from Tweed Billabong. The stunning white beaches of Northern NSW and southern Gold Coast include those at Coolangatta, Kirra, Greenmount, Rainbow Bay and Duranbah, Fingal and Kingscliff, all of which are popular with surfers and swimmers of all ages.
Most beaches are patrolled on weekends and school holidays. These beaches have some of the best waves on the east coast, and are used for major surfing comps like the Quicksilver and Roxy Pro.
Jack Evans Boat Harbour
Jack Evans Boat Harbour
Situated in downtown Tweed Heads, this spot off the Tweed River features a tidal inlet with a gently sloping beach making it ideal for your kids to go swimming.
It’s also a great spot for fishing, boating or just relaxing. There are playgrounds, man-made rock pools, large gardens & park areas. The boardwalks are great for a stroll, scooter or bike ride.
You can hire paddle boats or take out your own kayak. All this just 5 minutes away from Tweed Billabong.
Seagulls Club
Seagulls Club
Seagulls is located just 10 minutes away from the park and is possibly the best known club on the southern Gold Coast.
Originally established as a rugby leagues club over 100 years ago, Seagulls has evolved over the years to provide the local Tweed community with a range of dining and entertainment options along with a state of the art fitness centre.
You can head to the link below to check out what's on at Seagulls.
Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club
Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club
If you're looking to get in a round of golf while you're staying with us then Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club is a great place to start.
The club has two 18-hole championship courses - the West Course & the River Course, both of which are sure to provide you with a challenging yet enjoyable day of golf.
Afterwards you can enjoy a drink at the bar or maybe a meal at Danny's buffet restaurant.
Tweed Heads Bowls Club
Tweed Heads Bowls Club
Internationally recognised for it’s lawn bowls facilities, members and guests can also take advantage of great meal deals in one of 3 restaurants and cafes on site.
With live entertainment most nights of the week and daily activities, THBC offers something for everyone of all ages. A fully supervised Kidz klub also operates Thursday to Sunday evenings.
You can learn more about the THBC at the link below
South Tweed Sports Club
South Tweed Sports Club
South Tweed Sports Club offers entertainment for all the family, such as Rock n Roll, Line Dancing, and free movies on the Gold Coast's biggest video screen in air conditioned comfort.
Live performances includes a variety of local and international solo artists, duos and bands. A bigger, newer Sharky’s Kids Club is open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings and Thursday’s during school holidays.
You can check out what's happening at STSC via the link below
SkyPoint Observation Deck & Climb
Jack Evans Boat Harbour
Q Deck is impressive...very impressive. It currently sits inside the world's top 10 in terms of tallest residential buildings. When it first opened it actually held top spot but has been bumped down a few spots since then.
It has one of the fastest elevators in the world allowing you to jump on at the ground floor and be at level 77 in under 45 seconds.
Once you get there you can soak in the stunning 360 degree views, have a coffee and cake or even sit down for lunch or dinner.
If you're feeling a little more adventurous you can step outside and take the roughly 280 steps to the top of the SkyPoint Climb, and experience like no other on the Gold Coast
You can learn more about dining menu's as well as climb and climb/dine ticket options at the link below.
Tropical Fruit World
Tropical Fruit World
The name may not give it away, but Tropical Fruit World has a whole lot more for the family to do than just taste and stare at fruit.
It's a unique combination of commercial farming enterprise and tourism experience and should be on your list of things to do if you're staying on the Gold Coast for more than a few days.
Some of the activities you and your family can take advantage of while you're visiting Tropical Fruit World include - the Plantation Safari, the Wildlife Boat Cruise, the Fauna Park, ride the miniature train, and taste some delicious tropical fruit while your kids play at The Island recreation and playground area.
If all that sounds pretty interesting you can head to the link below to learn more
Coolangatta Whale Watch
Coolangatta Whale Watch
You don't have to travel way up North to see the majestic humpback whales migrating! Coolangatta Whale Watch have tours departing from Tweed Heads South. 3 hour cruises depart daily over the winter months and transfers are available from the Park.
Coolangatta Whale Watch guarantee that you'll see a whale on your cruise or you'll receive a free ticket for another day of cruising.
Whale watching cruises run from June to November each year. You can get more info via the link below.
Climb Mount Warning
Climb Mount Warning
Mount Warning Wollumbin is the first place in Australia to see the sunrise over the easterly most point of Byron Bay. The reward on reaching the summit, (1157m), is a 360 degree panorama of the enormous eroded rim ancient volcano, of which Mount Warning was the central plug.
Climbing the mountain is a rewarding experience and a must do in the Tweed region. It gives you a true prespective of the amazing 'Australia's Green Cauldron' region.
The walk starts at the base of Mount Warning approximately 50 minutes drive south west from Tweed Billabong through Murwillumbah. The walk is quite steep in places, but the effort is worth it. On a great day the views stretch from Byron Bay to the Gold Coast, Clarrie Hall Dam and the secenic rim to the west.
The walk is 8.8kms return and takes around 3-4 hours depending upon your fitness. It is best to start early in the morning before it gets hot and the track is too busy.
It is recommended that you do not start after 2pm in winter (I would say earlier) because the path is covered by trees and gets dark in the afternoon light. The track starts with lots of stairs which can be a struggle early in the morning!
It then changes to gentle paths back and forth across the mountain to reach the final stage - the chains. Arhh. The last 100m perhaps is steep rocks with chains to help you up and down.
There are a few different platforms to check out the view from the top. Try to allow 30 minutes at least to view, rest and snack. Take a camera and a long sleeve shirt, it can get cold.
Coming down the chains is like abseiling at times. This area can be slippery when wet, but that adds to the fun.
You can also climb it for the sunrise which is a totally different experience and once again worth the effort. You need to start around 3am (check the sunrise time) with a good torch and remember to hug the inner side of the path.
When coming down in the daylight you will notice that the track drops off steeply in some places. Take a flask of hot chocolate, sit back and watch the sunrise. It's an awesome experience.
Natural Bridge & Purling Brook Falls
Natural Bridge & Purling Brook Falls
About an hour west of Tweed Heads are a couple of beautiful spots within the Springbrook National Park that can be covered on the one day.
First up you have the Natural Bridge rock formation, located on a short walking circuit that takes you through ancient Gondwana rainforest.
The second attraction you can visit on this day trip are the beautiful Purling Brook Falls. This is a longer, roughly 2 hour walking circuit that allows you descend down into a gorge so you can view the falls from below.
You can learn more about both of these spots via the links below
World Heritage National Parks
World Heritage National Parks
Many people don't realise just how close the Gold Coast is to some of the country's most beautiful national parks.
Within 'day trip distance' you have Springbrook, Tamborine, Mt Barney, Mt Warning, Lamington, Border Ranges and Nightcap National Parks.
You can walk the rim of an extinct volcano, visit ancient rock formations & waterfalls and see amazing wildlife in the world's largest expanse of subtropical rainforest.
You can learn more about the different national parks of the Gold Coast Hinterland at the link below.
Land Based Whale Watching
Land Based Whale Watching
There's no doubt that whale watching from a boat is an amazing experience, but it's not always possible for any number of reasons.
So the next best option is to take advantage of some of the great viewing points found on the Gold Coast and in nearby Northern NSW.
You can use the list below as a starting point if you're keen to see some whales but can't get out on the water. Just remember to bring the binoculars with you.
- Point Danger Lookout - Coolangatta
- Burleigh Point
- Miami Hill
- Kirra Hill
- Tumgun Lookout - Burleigh Heads
- Cape Byron - Byron Bay
Drive Northern NSW
Take A Drive Into Northern NSW
The Gold Coast is a great launching pad for one or two day trips that can take you to some of the most scenic countryside & towns in NSW.
You can stick to the coast and have your choice of some great spots from Byron Bay and Ballina to Lennox Head or Brunswick Heads.
And if you're more interested in getting away from the coast for a day you can take a drive along The Rainforest Way which takes you through some of the beautiful World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Northern NSW.
And don't forget for pure novelty factor you have the town of Nimbin which is around a 90 minute drive away.
Mt Tamborine Circuit
Drive The Mt Tamborine Circuit
The Mt Tamborine circuit is perfect for couple or families looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast for a day.
Some of the attractions of this drive include the Eagle Heights Mountain Resort (formerly owned by Mel Gibson), Thunderbird Park, the Glow Worm Caves, Curtis Falls Waterfall, Gallery Walk, Witches Fall Winery and the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk.
As an added bonus you can often see hang gliders taking off from one of the most popular launch sites for gliders on the Gold Coast.
You can get some itinerary ideas at the link below.
Lamington National Park
Lamington National Park
Lamington National Park is one of Australia's most spectacular Tropical National Parks. There are dozens of tracks to walk and several water falls to discover. You'll see birds, frogs, mammals and assorted flora in their natural habitat.
Lamington is a jewel in the crown of bushwalking destinations in south-east Queensland. It contains over 160 km of graded walking paths and a similar distance of walking trails that lead to lookouts waterfalls and some of Queensland's most significant wilderness.
The Green Cauldron
Australia's Green Cauldron
The Tweed Region is at the centre of "Australia's Green Cauldron", an area of natural and cultural significance, and one of Australia's most diverse flora and fauna ecosystems.
The region has been chosen as one of Australia's top 16 "National Landscapes" by Tourism Australia. With competition such as Kakadu, The Kimberleys or The Red Centre it's easy to imagine just how exciting this region is.
The area stretches from Byron Bay in the south to the Gold Coast in the north, and dates back over 20 million years.
Mount Warning Wollumbin is the centre piece for the region, and is the original plug of the ancient volcano.
Our Park is the perfect base camp for day trips to Australia's Green Cauldron. The area is made for the Australian National Landscapes program with bush walking in National Parks, nature based activities such as whale watching, snorkeling with turtles, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and an Aboriginal Museum.
We are in the centre of the area and provide quality accommodation to suit a variety of budgets. From school groups, tour groups to walking enthusiasts, we can help you to experience the region.
Currumbin Rock Pools
Visit The Currumbin Rock Pools
The Currumbin Rock Pools are a bit of a local's secret - a beautiful swimming hole surrounded by natural rock ledges and grassy banks.
For the more adventurous there are some great spots for jumping into the pools, either from the rock ledges or rope swing.
Or you can simply relax at the picnic area and watch others jumping in.
Drive a little further along Currumbin Creek Road and you'll come to the Mount Cougal section of the Springbrook National park. From here you can walk an 800m track to find cascading waterfalls and more rock pools.
Head to the link below to learn more.
